Alabama

Alabama tight end Harrison Jones (82) works through passing drills during the Crimson Tide's seventh 2013 Season Spring football practice, Friday, April 05, 2013, at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Harrison Jones won't be playing football this fall, but he isn't going anywhere.

The former Alabama tight end who was not listed on the Crimson Tide's spring roster plans to stay at UA until May 2015, when he's slated to graduate from the Manderson Master of Business Administration program. His father, Rex, told AL.com on Monday that a lengthy list of injuries that plagued Jones throughout his four years at Alabama ultimately drove him toward his decision to focus exclusively on his classwork.

"He would love to play if he was physically able to do that," Rex Jones said.

Harrison Jones ruptured a disc in his back before the 2013 BCS National Championship and underwent surgery the day after his older brother, Barrett, had foot surgery. He played in 11 games as a reserve tight end and was a key member of Alabama's kick return unit but was unable to take the field against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl because of an ankle injury.

In the near future, Jones will undergo his second shoulder surgery of the year.

When Jones made the decision to leave the team in January, Alabama coach Nick Saban gave him a few weeks to make sure it was what he wanted to do, said Rex, a former Crimson Tide basketball player.

"He cared more about Harrison as a person than a football player," Rex said.

Jones, who signed with Alabama in 2010, collected his bachelor's degree in May 2013 and enrolled in the MBA program for the fall semester. He caught one pass for 12 yards and returned two kicks for 17 yards in his final season.

Saban announced Jones' departure Saturday in accordance with offensive guard Chad Lindsay's and walk-on safety Jai Miller's. Lindsay is anticipated to transfer while Miller, 29, is focusing on obtaining his degree.

"We certainly appreciate the great job that they did when they were involved in the program and wish them well," Saban said. "They'll always be a part of what we've done here, and we certainly appreciate their efforts and contribution that they've had in the success of the program."